That was great to watch, I work with leather and have seen huge laser cutting machines work on leather but this machine offers so much potential for me, thankyou for showing it and those cups turned out great
I have no space at the moment for a laser but that one seems like a great option once I do!! Loving the price point! And the quality of your testers looks great! Can’t wait to see you test the cutting feature!
I’m pretty stoked about this. Right now as of Christmas time they’re under $700! They also make a model that does blade cutting to replace the Cricut/silhouette but I have an explore 3 so I’ll save the money and just get this model and put the rest towards materials 😬
They're having really awesome deals right now! And that sounds really smart! I'm going to be testing that model as well but have been really comfortable with my cricut and am curious if it could even replace it 🤔
That little laser is pretty cool. How was the smell? I can not wait to be able to add an air compressor to my thunder. It does an awesome job without, but still a little bit of charing unfortunately without. A quick light sand usually takes care of it.
No visible fumes or smoke, and the smell was very mild, but then again, I didn't cut anything and probably wouldn't use acrylic with it. I was testing the laser in this spot and purposely tried it out without extra ventilation because I wanted to see how much it created, but I'll create a more permanent spot for it with some stuff to assist with ventilation just for safety 🙂
So glad you made this video! We ordered the Xtool M1 on their Kickstarter and we're waiting for delivery now. It's almost the same as this one except it has a blade cutter, too. Like glowforge and cricut had a baby Lol! The basic one is on pre-order sale for $800 and the deluxe $1100. Still much more affordable than gf! I can't wait for it to get here! Can't wait to see what else you make with it!
I think with this and most build-your-own lasers it's best to keep them by a window or well ventilated area like a garage and maybe even an extractor fan for more time consuming projects. But I didn't notice any smoke or visible fumes coming from the xtool and the smell was mild. I was surprised considering there's almost always smoke inside my glowforge and I can still smell it even though it's enclosed and with an exhaust. I would recommend avoiding acrylic. I don't even like cutting acrylic with my glowforge.
Great video, Tana. I want to thank you so much for sharing your experience with the XTool. I found it very interesting and promising...I've considered buying a laser machine, but haven't been able to justify spending thousands of dollars on one. Especially because I may not even stick to it (based on past experience with my many hobbies or attempts at starting a small business...haha). But...I may be able to justify less than $1k. Maybe... 🤔😁 I'd just have to figure out where the heck it would go... because I have very limited space (I just have the one room...my bedroom/office/arts & crafts room/exercise room
I’ve been looking for a laser machine!!! I heard the noise and smell of GF aren’t worth the money but couldn’t find anything as beginner friendly as it. I’m so happy you made this comparison so I could see it. 😊
I do love how the glowforge looks and how easy it is to use! It basically comes ready. But I do agree that for the price tag that I'd expect it to do a better job at ventilating. I think if you don't mind doing a little DIYing, you can definitely create a good ventilation system yourself for a more affordable laser like this one by either creating a box for it with exhaust hose or sticking it by a window with a extractor fan. As long as you're not too concerned with aesthetics 😉
Hi 👋🏻 I’m a new subscriber and absolutely loving watching your videos. I’m just getting started with hand stamping and wonder if there are any other hand press machines for metal stamps you know of that would work for a beginner. I’m no way near ready to invest in one like the one you have as I am literally just starting out with it but the hammering by hand is not going well for me! What would you advise?
I didn't see anything come from it at any point and the smell was mild. I'm sure with acrylic it would be really strong and I usually try to avoid acrylic even with the glowforge, but everything else in a larger space, by a window, or in a garage should be just fine 🙂
Yey so happy to see a new video from you :D That is a genius way to find the center of what you are gonna stamp on the bracelets. That laser machine actually looks so good :D The blinking was a bit intense tho xD Thank you for testing it out in this video
Thank you! 🥰 It is quieter than the glowforge but it also doesn't have an exhaust, so if you pair it with an exhaust fan by a window, it'll probably end up being about the same noise level. Thanks for watching and commenting! 🤗💜
I heard the x-tool cannot cut acrylic is that true? That is the only downside I see to it if that is true. I keep eyeballing this machine because of the price in comparison but I also want to do acrylic so if you know about that if it is true it can't I would appreciate hearing that from you. I trust you as you seem so knowledgeable and do a lot of research. TIA
Loved the video 😊 just a little advice from another entrepreneur/crafter save yourself time and use e6000. Scratching both pieces take out too much time and time is money and also you are working with little pieces believe me it will save you also from frustration 😉 have a nice day 😀
This is the only way I've been able to get studs to not eventually break. I used to use e6000 and it's nowhere near as strong. With e6000, some customers studs would break after just one wear and I could pull off the studs with pliers if I tried. So as someone who used to use e6000 for this for a long time, I don't recommend it for this.
wow. for around $700 thats actually so good. always wanted a glowforge but its so hard to get one in australia (pricey too!) What are your thoughts about the open concept of the machine? Is there fumes etc?
Right? I'm so impressed by it. There were no fumes at all while engraving, but I'm not sure about cutting since I haven't tested that yet. You can smell it, so I'd probably stick to wood or metal instead of stinky acrylic, but by a window with a fan or in a garage setting should be no problem!
Whoa! How on earth did that engrave with no burn marks and no air assist!? That’s awesome! Also, does it cut all the way through? I have an Ortur Laser Master 2 pro but I’m installing an air assist because I have a hard time cutting all the way through without.
I was genuinely shocked there were no burn marks especially with how dark it engraved! I haven't tested cutting yet because I'd like to do it when I get their honeycomb panel, but I've seen others get greats cuts and up to 10mm thick. I'll definitely share cutting in a future video!
Bc the reason glowforge leaves burn residue is because the smoke and fumes are being drawn backwards across the material towards the fan and out the window. If all that crap just rises into your environment, it doesnt mark the material. But also builds up in your room.
@@TanaMakes I make jewelry and I want a laser machine but they all have such a large footprint. I’m running out of space. A lot of people talk about the xtool and the laserpecker (smaller but powerful enough for metals) eitherway, let me know how your experiments go) thanks a bunch! Your voice is so soothing!
The xtool laser machine, does it need to be vented or is it ok having it on the table as is? I just ordered one and was trying to avoid having it in my garage (because brr in the winter time lol)
Why not put a cutting matt underneath the x-tool? You could probably find one that covers the bottom entirely (with some research on the net). The grid on the cutting matt could be used to align the laser to the matt.
The smell was mild and surprisingly I didn't see any smoke or fumes as it was engraving. I can't say for cutting as I haven't testing that yet, but it'd be best to put it by a window in a well ventilated space with an extractor fan to suck out anything.
Thank you! It dries too rubbery/elasticy which means the post can detach with pressure. It also seems to loosen with a little heat and I've just had a few where the posts completely pop off / a few customers saying theirs broke after one wear. The loctite dries really firm and I've never had issues with them coming off. The channel Project Farm actually has a really cool video testing the strength of a bunch of super glues 🙂
Hi @Tana Makes I am a fellow crafter and am into it just for the gifts I can make for friends and family. I have an incoming family reunion and I want to gift everyone a bracelet to celebrate the special occasion what gage do you use for the stainless steel bracelets you make. Is it thin? Or on the thick side?
As a Glowforge pro owner this is not a good laser to have in my opinion. With the Glowforge it still smells and covers the laser lighting with the cover which is both bad as it is for us. This is scary to use imo.
As a glowforge pro owner as well who's gotten to play with both, I was happily surprised by its performance. It didn't create visible fumes or smoke, which the glowforge did, and the smell was very mild. A lot of lasers, especially build-your-own lasers are open, so this look isn't uncommon, and are usually known for being used in garages alongside woodworking tools. I think for less than $800, it's totally worth it to get an extractor fan and create your own exhaust/ventilation system for it by a window, because even with a glowforge, unless you vent it out a window, you have to pay a lot extra for their filter. I'd just avoid acrylic as I've even stopped using acrylic with my glowforge because the smell is too strong. But again, as someone who is very used to my glowforge and been a long time glowforge fan, at no point did it feel unsafe 🙂. If it's to use around kids or a very small space, then definitely get a glowforge. It's nice to have options though.
@@TanaMakes you cant smell carbon monoxide, my friend. This laser is INCREDIBLY dangerous. Entire families have died from improperly ventilated laser cutters. To just suggest this is fine bc it barely smelled and you didnt see much smoke is so irresponsible.
Please do not drag metal in videos, its such an awful sound, think about the ears and sanity of people watching, especially people using ear/headphones
Sorry that I can't worry about every little thing that might bother people when I'm creating free content. If I can handle the sound while editing the video with headphones, I'm not going to think it would bother someone else. It's a vlog, and I'm showing real life with real sounds.
2 am enjoying this quiet video. 😄😌😴
That was great to watch, I work with leather and have seen huge laser cutting machines work on leather but this machine offers so much potential for me, thankyou for showing it and those cups turned out great
I can’t wait until I have a set up like this for my business! This is so inspiring!
I have no space at the moment for a laser but that one seems like a great option once I do!! Loving the price point! And the quality of your testers looks great! Can’t wait to see you test the cutting feature!
thats a great idea putting wheels on a dresser for my craft room, Thank you
For the dresser it's probably already been said but I would screw handles onto the side so it's easier to move. 😊
Make more videos with this laser machine, please. Also thank you for sharing this. Can't wait to buy.
Hi Tana, i received the D1 as my first laser with the rotary attachment.
Tana, you are such an encouragement to me. I have learned so much from you. Thank you!
Aw, I'm so glad to hear that 🥲💕
I’m pretty stoked about this. Right now as of Christmas time they’re under $700! They also make a model that does blade cutting to replace the Cricut/silhouette but I have an explore 3 so I’ll save the money and just get this model and put the rest towards materials 😬
They're having really awesome deals right now! And that sounds really smart! I'm going to be testing that model as well but have been really comfortable with my cricut and am curious if it could even replace it 🤔
@@TanaMakes I’m curious about scan and cut possibilities. 90% of my Cricut use is scan and cut.
I have different Lasers love them. I just set up my new 3d printer and airbrush station in my new art studio.
That little laser is pretty cool. How was the smell?
I can not wait to be able to add an air compressor to my thunder. It does an awesome job without, but still a little bit of charing unfortunately without. A quick light sand usually takes care of it.
No visible fumes or smoke, and the smell was very mild, but then again, I didn't cut anything and probably wouldn't use acrylic with it. I was testing the laser in this spot and purposely tried it out without extra ventilation because I wanted to see how much it created, but I'll create a more permanent spot for it with some stuff to assist with ventilation just for safety 🙂
So glad you made this video! We ordered the Xtool M1 on their Kickstarter and we're waiting for delivery now. It's almost the same as this one except it has a blade cutter, too. Like glowforge and cricut had a baby Lol! The basic one is on pre-order sale for $800 and the deluxe $1100. Still much more affordable than gf! I can't wait for it to get here! Can't wait to see what else you make with it!
That's so awesome! I love a multifunctional piece of equipment to help save on space! Excited for you to get it and try it out! 😊
I would install handles or rails on the sides of that mini dresser so you can pull it easier
Good idea!
If only I could afford one. But, I'm so excited for you to find a better option. 💙
I would add a couple of small handles to the side so you have something to grab onto to pull out that little dresser.
That laser tool looks amazing! Do you need a special exhaust set up? I think glowforge has either an expensive filter, or a hose exhaust out a window?
I think with this and most build-your-own lasers it's best to keep them by a window or well ventilated area like a garage and maybe even an extractor fan for more time consuming projects. But I didn't notice any smoke or visible fumes coming from the xtool and the smell was mild. I was surprised considering there's almost always smoke inside my glowforge and I can still smell it even though it's enclosed and with an exhaust. I would recommend avoiding acrylic. I don't even like cutting acrylic with my glowforge.
What brand blanks do you use for the metal stamping? It always looks so high quality!
Great video, Tana. I want to thank you so much for sharing your experience with the XTool. I found it very interesting and promising...I've considered buying a laser machine, but haven't been able to justify spending thousands of dollars on one. Especially because I may not even stick to it (based on past experience with my many hobbies or attempts at starting a small business...haha). But...I may be able to justify less than $1k. Maybe... 🤔😁
I'd just have to figure out where the heck it would go... because I have very limited space (I just have the one room...my bedroom/office/arts & crafts room/exercise room
I’ve been looking for a laser machine!!! I heard the noise and smell of GF aren’t worth the money but couldn’t find anything as beginner friendly as it. I’m so happy you made this comparison so I could see it. 😊
I do love how the glowforge looks and how easy it is to use! It basically comes ready. But I do agree that for the price tag that I'd expect it to do a better job at ventilating. I think if you don't mind doing a little DIYing, you can definitely create a good ventilation system yourself for a more affordable laser like this one by either creating a box for it with exhaust hose or sticking it by a window with a extractor fan. As long as you're not too concerned with aesthetics 😉
hello! I love watching your videos and seeing what your up too. cant wait for the next one :))
Hi! Aw, thank you for watching! 🥰
Hi 👋🏻 I’m a new subscriber and absolutely loving watching your videos. I’m just getting started with hand stamping and wonder if there are any other hand press machines for metal stamps you know of that would work for a beginner. I’m no way near ready to invest in one like the one you have as I am literally just starting out with it but the hammering by hand is not going well for me! What would you advise?
This seems like a really cool laser! How was the fumes?
I didn't see anything come from it at any point and the smell was mild. I'm sure with acrylic it would be really strong and I usually try to avoid acrylic even with the glowforge, but everything else in a larger space, by a window, or in a garage should be just fine 🙂
Awesome video🥰
Thank you 🤗
Yey so happy to see a new video from you :D That is a genius way to find the center of what you are gonna stamp on the bracelets. That laser machine actually looks so good :D The blinking was a bit intense tho xD Thank you for testing it out in this video
Thank you! 🥰 It is quieter than the glowforge but it also doesn't have an exhaust, so if you pair it with an exhaust fan by a window, it'll probably end up being about the same noise level. Thanks for watching and commenting! 🤗💜
I heard the x-tool cannot cut acrylic is that true? That is the only downside I see to it if that is true. I keep eyeballing this machine because of the price in comparison but I also want to do acrylic so if you know about that if it is true it can't I would appreciate hearing that from you. I trust you as you seem so knowledgeable and do a lot of research. TIA
I actually haven't tried acrylic yet but I'll test it out soon if that's the case! It would definitely be a bummer if it didn't.
Love your videos ❤️❤️❤️. What is the name of the storage drawers that’s on the top of your desk?
Thank you! 💜 It seems Ikea may have discontinued the exact one I have but the closest thing I could find from them is called the EKBY ALEX.
Loved the video 😊 just a little advice from another entrepreneur/crafter save yourself time and use e6000. Scratching both pieces take out too much time and time is money and also you are working with little pieces believe me it will save you also from frustration 😉 have a nice day 😀
This is the only way I've been able to get studs to not eventually break. I used to use e6000 and it's nowhere near as strong. With e6000, some customers studs would break after just one wear and I could pull off the studs with pliers if I tried. So as someone who used to use e6000 for this for a long time, I don't recommend it for this.
wow. for around $700 thats actually so good. always wanted a glowforge but its so hard to get one in australia (pricey too!) What are your thoughts about the open concept of the machine? Is there fumes etc?
Right? I'm so impressed by it. There were no fumes at all while engraving, but I'm not sure about cutting since I haven't tested that yet. You can smell it, so I'd probably stick to wood or metal instead of stinky acrylic, but by a window with a fan or in a garage setting should be no problem!
Whoa! How on earth did that engrave with no burn marks and no air assist!? That’s awesome! Also, does it cut all the way through? I have an Ortur Laser Master 2 pro but I’m installing an air assist because I have a hard time cutting all the way through without.
I was genuinely shocked there were no burn marks especially with how dark it engraved! I haven't tested cutting yet because I'd like to do it when I get their honeycomb panel, but I've seen others get greats cuts and up to 10mm thick. I'll definitely share cutting in a future video!
Bc the reason glowforge leaves burn residue is because the smoke and fumes are being drawn backwards across the material towards the fan and out the window. If all that crap just rises into your environment, it doesnt mark the material. But also builds up in your room.
Hey, love the your set up! What type of wood do you use for the studs and where do you get it please?
Thank you! I use finished maple plywood purchased from Glowforge.
Love your vids. I wonder if it would have a problem with gold plated or gold filled jewelry? Thoughts?
Thank you! I have some leftover gold and rose gold coated stainless steel blanks, so I'll test it out!
@@TanaMakes thanks!!!!
@@TanaMakes I make jewelry and I want a laser machine but they all have such a large footprint. I’m running out of space. A lot of people talk about the xtool and the laserpecker (smaller but powerful enough for metals) eitherway, let me know how your experiments go) thanks a bunch! Your voice is so soothing!
The xtool laser machine, does it need to be vented or is it ok having it on the table as is? I just ordered one and was trying to avoid having it in my garage (because brr in the winter time lol)
Totally understandable haha. They have an enclosure that I share in one of the videos after this one ☺️. I just stuck the hose out the window.
Why not put a cutting matt underneath the x-tool? You could probably find one that covers the bottom entirely (with some research on the net). The grid on the cutting matt could be used to align the laser to the matt.
That's a good idea! I'm going to be getting the honeycomb panel soon, so I'll see what I'm able to work out after that 🙂
I know with the glowforge you have to vented it so since i dont see anything and its open does it smell or make fumes?
The smell was mild and surprisingly I didn't see any smoke or fumes as it was engraving. I can't say for cutting as I haven't testing that yet, but it'd be best to put it by a window in a well ventilated space with an extractor fan to suck out anything.
Why don’t you use e6000 on the studs? Love your organization.
Thank you! It dries too rubbery/elasticy which means the post can detach with pressure. It also seems to loosen with a little heat and I've just had a few where the posts completely pop off / a few customers saying theirs broke after one wear. The loctite dries really firm and I've never had issues with them coming off. The channel Project Farm actually has a really cool video testing the strength of a bunch of super glues 🙂
Hey, where did you get the desktop mount you were removing from your desk. This was the at 5:06 mark in your video
It's from FlexiSpot! I showed unboxing and mounting it in my last video. This is the referral link they gave me for it 🙂: bit.ly/3MSq0tE
I didn’t see any ventilation or is this for demo purpose only? Thanks
You can check out the ventilation in two videos recorded after this one.
Not me running and purchasing the machine 😅 my mom is going to kill me 😂😂😂
😂😂😂
Hi @Tana Makes I am a fellow crafter and am into it just for the gifts I can make for friends and family. I have an incoming family reunion and I want to gift everyone a bracelet to celebrate the special occasion what gage do you use for the stainless steel bracelets you make. Is it thin? Or on the thick side?
Hi there! It's about 1.6mm thick. Sturdy, but still adjustable 😊
Thank you for sharing!
How does it work on the studs or smaller designs?
You're welcome! I don't have the Honeycomb Panel yet to be able to test cutting yet, but I can test engraving smaller, more detailed designs soon! 😊
How would you cut with it?
Using their honeycomb plate similar to the honeycomb on the glowforge and changing the settings. I've just received one and will show using it soon!
Why no e6000 on the studs?
I've had too many studs eventually break with e6000 and complaints from customers. It dries too soft/rubbery and eventually peels off.
As a Glowforge pro owner this is not a good laser to have in my opinion. With the Glowforge it still smells and covers the laser lighting with the cover which is both bad as it is for us. This is scary to use imo.
As a glowforge pro owner as well who's gotten to play with both, I was happily surprised by its performance. It didn't create visible fumes or smoke, which the glowforge did, and the smell was very mild. A lot of lasers, especially build-your-own lasers are open, so this look isn't uncommon, and are usually known for being used in garages alongside woodworking tools. I think for less than $800, it's totally worth it to get an extractor fan and create your own exhaust/ventilation system for it by a window, because even with a glowforge, unless you vent it out a window, you have to pay a lot extra for their filter. I'd just avoid acrylic as I've even stopped using acrylic with my glowforge because the smell is too strong. But again, as someone who is very used to my glowforge and been a long time glowforge fan, at no point did it feel unsafe 🙂. If it's to use around kids or a very small space, then definitely get a glowforge. It's nice to have options though.
@@TanaMakes you cant smell carbon monoxide, my friend. This laser is INCREDIBLY dangerous. Entire families have died from improperly ventilated laser cutters. To just suggest this is fine bc it barely smelled and you didnt see much smoke is so irresponsible.
@@erin9868 Hi Erin, would you recommend to use this product if it was used in an open garage? or just not at all?
Please do not drag metal in videos, its such an awful sound, think about the ears and sanity of people watching, especially people using ear/headphones
Sorry that I can't worry about every little thing that might bother people when I'm creating free content. If I can handle the sound while editing the video with headphones, I'm not going to think it would bother someone else. It's a vlog, and I'm showing real life with real sounds.
l make many money in this way,thanku,myfriend!!